The 50/50 Blog

Note: Opinions expressed on the US Youth Soccer Blog (web log) are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the positions of the United States Youth Soccer Association (US Youth Soccer). Links on this web log to articles do not necessarily imply agreement by the author or by US Youth Soccer with the contents of the articles. Links are provided to foster discussion of topics and issues. Readers should make their own evaluations of the contents of such articles.

Fabian Johnson

Despite mixing and matching throughout his brief US career in the midfield and on both sides of a back line in need, Fabian Johnson told reporters at USMNT camp on Thursday that he expects for Jurgen Klinsmann to use him as a defender when the tournament opens next month in Brazil. Read more here.

Las Vegas

Breaking news from yesterday was that Sin City could be looking to snag an MLS expansion team. Read more here.

Jills Ellis to be USWNT coach?

U.S. Soccer will name Jill Ellis the new head coach of the U.S. Women’s National Team on Friday, a source with knowledge of the hiring process confirmed to SBI on Thursday evening. USA Today has also confirmed it will be Ellis. Read more here.

Brazil Bound

In case you weren't paying attention, over 25 provisional rosters were announced by countries participating in the upcoming World Cup tournament which kicks off June 12. Find them here.

MLS Power Rankings

Everyone in the league right now is chasing the unbeaten Real Salt Lake team. Where does your team sit in the MLS power rankings? Check out the list and find out.

Choosing the next USWNT coach

When the U.S. Soccer Federation names a new U.S. Women’s National Team head coach, the decision will obviously end up dictating the future of the squad. Read more here.

USMNT players one the bubble

As the U.S. Men’s National Team prepares to kick off training camp ahead of the 2014 World Cup, a total of 30 players will be battling for 30 World Cup roster spots, meaning seven players will see their World Cup dream fall short. See the players that are on the bubble.

Beautiful goals from the Bundesliga

check out the top 10 goals from the 2013-2014 Bundesliga season. We're hoping to see goals of this caliber at the 2014 US Youth Soccer National Championships.

From distance

This 19-year-old player bends a beautiful shot into the upper corner from about 40 yards out. A thing of beauty.

Coaches Blog

This week's Coaches Blog by Sam Snow is a MUST READ. Snow attempts to stimulate conversation between parents and coaches about the similarities and differences between "recreational" and "competitive" soccer. Learn from Snow and other coaches where these differences come from and how they can cause riffs in the development of our youth players. Read more here: http://bit.ly/1gjYowK

Jozy Altidore

Copa America Centenario

CONCACAF and CONMEBOL unveiled on Tuesday the logo for the 2016 Copa Centenario, set to take place in the United States. Read more here.

MLS signs TV deal

Major League Soccer and U.S. Soccer have signed new television and media rights partnerships with ESPN, FOX Sports and Univision Deportes, reaching eight-year agreements with the networks to televise MLS and U.S. Soccer matches in the United States through the end of 2022. Read more.